561N

Pipelayer

Engine
Engine Model Cat 3126B
Gross Power 98 kW 132 hp
Rated Flywheel Power 92 kW 123 hp
Weights
Operating Weight 16 851 kg 37,150 lb
Pipelaying Equipment
Lifting Capacity 18 145 kg 40,000 lb
 561N Pipelayer
Excellent response and control for productivity and versatility.

Power Train Drive Train Finger Tip Control

The Cat 3126B ATAAC diesel engine
features a HEUI fuel system.
Designed for performance, durability,
serviceability, and fuel economy, the
3126B HEUI engine meets EPA Tier 2,
EU Stage II, and MOC Step 2 exhaust
emission regulations. pg. 4
Rugged, durable, and reliable components Finger Tip Control (FTC) combines
deliver smooth, responsive power and steering, machine direction and gear
lasting reliability. The Auto-shift and selection into a single control system.
Auto-kickdown features enhance These control functions can be
operator comfort. pg. 5 simultaneously operated using only
one hand for enhanced operator comfort
and increased productivity. pg. 6

Structure
Mainframe is designed and built for
durability using the latest technology
in engineering and manufacturing.
Providing solid support and perfect
alignment for major components.
pg. 11
Undercarriage
Elevated sprocket design for optimized
balance and performance. The final
drives are above the work area, isolating
them from ground impact for long
power train component life. Various
arrangements to choose from based on
the ground conditions. pg. 12

Engineered to exceed the most demanding

goals. The 561Ns increased power and
versatility, combined with rugged components,
are designed for tough and varied working
conditions. This machine offers you the
reliability and durability you expect from
Cat Pipelayers.

2
Pipelayer
Hydraulic load line and boom winches
provide excellent speed capability.
Counterweight and frame design
provides excellent stability while
offering increased viewing area.
pg. 7
Operator Station
Ergonomically designed for maximum
productivity and comfort. Controls are
intuitive, low-effort and easy to reach,
viewing area is excellent, instrument
panel is easy to read and informative.
Simplified access with ladder on the
left rear side of the machine. pg. 8
Serviceability
Major modular components are
designed for excellent serviceability and
allow fast in-field component exchange.
pg. 13
Styling
Modern styling with rounded shapes
and tapered engine enclosures provide
excellent visibility. Robust sheet metal
exterior and heavy steel access door
panels and guards are easily accessible
and durable. pg. 10
Total Customer Support
Your Caterpillar dealer offers a wide
range of services that can be set up
with a Customer Support Agreement.
The dealer can customize a plan for
you, from PM service to total machine
maintenance, allowing you to optimize
your return on investment. pg. 14
New Feature
3
Power Train
3126B HEUI engine meets EPA Tier 2, EU Stage II, and MOC Step 2 exhaust emission
regulations and offers excellent performance levels.
Cat 3126B HEUI Engine. The Cat 3126B
diesel engine is a six cylinder, four-cycle
design that provides long, effective
power strokes for high torque and more
complete fuel combustion. The 3126B
engine is equipped with an electronic
air inlet heater. The heater warms the
air in the air inlet manifold for easier
starting and reduced white smoke on
cold starts.
4
Torque Rise. The direct injected
electronic fuel system provides a
controlled fuel delivery increase as
the engine lugs back from rated speed.
This results in increased horsepower
above rated power. A combination of
increased torque rise and maximum
horsepower improves response and
provides greater drawbar pull.
Rated flywheel power 92 kW
(123 hp)
Maximum flywheel power 98 kW
(132 hp)
3126B Engine Features. Major features
include:
Increased power to 92 kW (123 hp)
for increased performance.
Large displacement electronic
engine with lower exhaust emissions
and good cold start capability.
Power train to engine link with
controlled throttle shifting.
Poly-Vee serpentine engine fan
belt with auto tension feature
eliminates the traditional three
to four belt system.
Extended oil and engine filter
Turbocharger and Aftercooler. A well- change intervals up to 500 hours
matched turbocharger and air-to-air after break-in.
aftercooler results in increased power.
ATAAC cooling system.
The exhaust driven turbocharger packs
more air into the cylinders, while the Improved Multiple Row Modular
air-to-air aftercooler cools the pressurized (IMRM) radiator is less subject to
air from the turbocharger, making the plugging due to a unique radiator
engine intake air denser. The increased fin design, which provides excellent
air in the cylinder results in more heat transfer capability.
power, improved combustion, and
reduced exhaust emissions.
Drive Train
Rugged, durable, and reliable components deliver smooth, responsive power and
lasting reliability.
Torque Converter. The 561N single
stage torque converter efficiently
responds to changing load conditions
by providing torque multiplication,
therefore increasing drawbar power.
It also provides protection to the drive
train components by preventing
shock loads. The torque converter is
efficiently matched to the power train
components and provides the superior
performance you need.
Auto-Shift/Auto-Kickdown. Auto-shift
allows the operator to pre-select a
forward and reverse gear for easy,
efficient directional changes.
Auto-shift settings include:
First forward to second reverse.
Second forward to second reverse.
Second forward to first reverse.
Auto-kickdown allows the transmission
to automatically downshift when
significant load increases are detected.
Steering Clutch and Brakes. Oil cooled,
hydraulically actuated, large diameter
plates and clutch discs provide higher
torque capacity and increased service life.
Transmission. The proven planetary
power shift transmission features three
speeds forward and three speeds reverse
and utilizes large diameter, high capacity,
oil cooled clutches. To maximize the
life of the transmission, the planetary
design distributes loads and stresses
over multiple gears.
Controlled throttle shifting regulates
engine speed during high-energy Elevated Final Drive. Final drives are
directional shifts for smoother isolated from ground and work tool
operation and longer component life. induced impact loads for extended
The transmission and bevel gear set power train life.
are modular by design, and easily Electronic Steering and Transmission
slide into the machines rear case. Controls. The 561N provides Finger Tip
Control for steering. Soft touch buttons
Forced oil flow lubricates and cools
clutch packs to provide maximum located on the steering controls shift the
clutch life. electronically controlled transmission.
Electronic Clutch Pressure Control.
Load compensating shifting provides
smooth engagement of the clutches The 561N has an additional
under loaded conditions. transmission-shifting feature for added
performance and operator comfort
the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control
(ECPC). This unique feature provides
smoother shifting by regulating and
modulating the individual clutches
based on current operating conditions.
5
Finger Tip Control
Finger Tip Control (FTC) combines steering, machine direction and gear selection into a
single control system, which can be operated with one hand for enhanced operator comfort
and increased productivity.
Three-Speed Forward/Reverse Gear
Selection. Three-speed forward/reverse
gear selection is achieved simply by
pressing the yellow speed selection
buttons. These buttons are integrated
into the Finger Tip Control group.
6
Electronic Clutch and Brake Steering
System. The electronic clutch and brake
steering system incorporates low effort
finger tip levers allowing the operator
to work more precisely in close areas,
around structures, obstacles and grade
stakes. Pulling the left or right finger
paddle causes the machine to turn
according to the amount of paddle
displacement.
Another feature aimed at operator
comfort is electric vertical
adjustment of the FTC control
group. This positions the operators
arm for efficient ergonomics.
Machine Direction. Moving the
machines transmission forward/neutral/
reverse direction lever controls machine
direction. The middle position puts the
machine transmission in neutral.
Auto-shift and Auto-kickdown. Auto-
shift and Auto-kickdown include the
following features:
Auto-shift allows the operator to
preselect a forward and reverse gear
for frequent directional changes.
The settings include first forward to
second reverse, second forward to
second reverse and second forward
Automatic shifting features and to first reverse.
reduced lever efforts provide easier
upshift and downshift, increased Auto-kickdown automatically
operator comfort, reduced fatigue, downshifts from any gear when
and shortened cycle times. the machine detects a significant
increase in load.
10018014.qxd 7/17/03 10:14 AM Page 7

Pipelayer
Caterpillar pipelayer system includes winch and boom, counterweight and frame.

Winches and Boom. Counterweight and Frame. Drawbar.

Independent hydraulic winches drive Counterweight design optimizes Large jaw opening and pin diameter.
boom and hook drawworks. viewing area while traveling.
Able to tow wide range of
Oil-disc brakes provide smooth Mainframe consists of box-section attachments.
operation, positive retention of frame welded to cast bevel gear case.
boom and hook positions.
Counterweight is extended
Modular design allows fast hydraulically for load balance,
replacement, easy field service, visibility, and clearance.
and testing.
Service latch mechanically locks
Single lever, infinitely variable counterweight in extended position.
speed controls for both boom and
hook allow precise control.
Emergency free-fall function on load
line control allows the operator to
drop the load quickly.
Tubular, cast-steel boom is rugged,
delivers better fatigue life.
Replaceable boom-mount bearings.
Symmetrical boom simplifies
installation.

7
Operator Station
Ergonomically designed for operators maximum comfort and productivity.

8
Seat. Ergonomically designed and fully Controls. Finger Tip Control (FTC)
adjustable for maximum comfort. The combines steering, machine direction
seat cushion reduces the pressure on the and gear selection into a single control
lower back and thighs while allowing system, which can be operated with one
unrestricted arm and leg movement. hand for enhanced operator comfort and
increased productivity.
Electronic Monitoring System (EMS III).
EMS III provides the operator instant
feedback on machine conditions and
records performance data to help
diagnose problems. Flashable memory
allows system upgrades, as new
technology and software become
available. This system is compatible
with Cat ET and CMS service tools.
EMS III includes the following gauges Counterweight Control. Adjusts the
and readouts: position of the counterweight for added
machine stability.
Fuel level gauge
Power Supply. The voltage converter
Hydraulic oil temperature gauge provides two 12-volt power supplies.
Engine coolant temperature gauge Access Ladder. Direct access to the
Ergonomic Work Tool Controls.
Power train oil temperature gauge Pipelayer controls are low effort and operators station utilizing ladder on
allow simultaneous, precise positioning left side of the machine.
Engine oil pressure indicator
of the load line and boom.
Engine speed digital readout
Load Line Speed Range. Allows the
Transmission gear indicator operator to select High or Low.
Hour Meter
Odometer

9
Styling
Modern styling with rounded shapes and tapered hood enhances operator visibility.
The N-Series combines eye-catching styling with solid, reliable performance.
Styling. Rounded machine shape offers
excellent visibility, accessibility, and
serviceability.
Durable, heavy steel door
panel covers.
Pre-cleaner is below the hood for
good visibility.
Controls are ergonomic for easier
operation and better efficiency.
10
Accessibility and Serviceability.
Hinged engine door to increase
engine and service access.
Remote-mounted filters located
within easy reach during PM
service.
Air pre-cleaner filter condition
monitor located in the operator
station for high visibility.
Redesigned fuel tank for easier
internal cleaning.
Fast fill fuel tank provision added
(attachment).
Larger service panel doors.
Diagnostic test ports added for quick
troubleshooting.
Quality and Reliability.
Doubled 4 mm (0.16 in) sheet metal
on the side service access panels and
rear guard.
Stamped, rounded sheet metal
corners add strength.
Rubber isolation mounted fuel tank
reduces tank vibration and reduces
potential stress fractures.
Heavy-duty reinforced radiator
guard is now standard.
Heavy-duty rear guard.
Structure
Engineered and manufactured to provide durability in the most demanding work.

Frame and Castings. The 561N case and

frames are built to absorb high impact
shock loads and torsional forces.
Castings are strategically located within
the frame to add additional strength.
Caterpillar uses robotic welding
techniques in the assembly of the case
and frames. This insures quality and
reliability throughout the structure.
The one-piece all welded chassis
provides superior strength over bolted
designs, and provides stiffness and
durability over the life of the machine.
High strength steel mainframe
resists impact shock loads.
Computer-aided finite element
analysis is used to evaluate and
ensure high durability of the
chassis by computer modeling it
and identifying high stress area.
Full scale structural testing to
test integrity of the structures.
Robotic welding provides deep
penetration and consistency for
long life, and reduces the chance
for errors that may be made during
manual welding.
Precision top level machining
for perfect alignment of bores The recoil system is sealed and Optional Roll Over Protective Structure.
and surfaces minimizes out lubricated. Provides for increased operator comfort
of tolerance wear patterns
and protection.
and improves durability. Improved pipelayer structure
mounting.
Non-oscillating roller frames for
greater stability in pipelaying
applications.

11
Undercarriage
The Caterpillar elevated sprocket undercarriage arrangement is designed for better balance,
performance, and component life.
Elevated Final Drive.
Isolates final drives from ground and
work tool induced impact loads for
extended power train life.
Keeps sprocket teeth, bushings, and
final drives away from abrasive
materials and moisture.
Caterpillar uses single reduction
planetary final drives in the 561N
providing long-lasting performance
and durability.
Undercarriage Arrangements.
Standard Arrangement - Overall
shipping width under 3 m (118 in).
Optional Low Ground Pressure (LGP)
arrangement -
Specially designed to work in soft
and spongy conditions.
Wide track shoes increase track
contact area and reduce ground
pressure for excellent flotation.
12
Heavy Duty Sealed and Lubricated Complete Guarding. Caterpillar
Track. Permanently coats the track pin undercarriages are designed with full
with a sealed-in lubricant, minimizing length guarding on top of the track
metal-to-metal contact. roller frame. This prevents abrasive
materials from falling down on
Virtually eliminates internal pin and
moving parts.
bushing wear.
Lubricant is held in a reservoir in the
track pin.
Roller Frames. Roller frames are
tubular, to resist bending and twisting.
The recoil system is sealed and
lubricated.
Optional High Flange Improved Track
Rollers. Combined with center or full
length roller guard attachments greatly
improve track guiding for demanding
side slope conditions.
Track Shoes. Select from 560 mm
(22 in) to 760 mm (30 in) single grouser
Optional Rotating Bushing Track. shoes made from heat-treated, rolled
Rotating Bushing Track is designed to steel for added strength. This allows for
extend system life and lower costs in narrow machine transportability on low
highly abrasive low to moderate impact ground pressure arrangements.
applications. RBT features bushings
that rotate when in contact with the
sprocket. Since the bushing rotates
when in contact with the sprocket,
relative motion between the bushing
and the sprocket is virtually eliminated,
greatly reducing bushing and sprocket
wear. The minimal bushing wear that
occurs is evenly distributed over the
bushings surface. This design eliminates
bushing turn maintenance expense.
Serviceability
Modular design moves Caterpillar a generation ahead in simplifying service
and maintenance.
Product Link. This option allows the
customer or dealer to obtain machine
diagnostics and location from their
offices. Product Link provides updates
on service meter hours, machine
condition, machine location, as well
as integrated mapping/route planning.
Electronic Monitoring System.
The 561N features a more flexible
monitoring system that is easily
upgraded by flashing software rather
than replacing the module, reducing
parts cost. As technology changes and
new electronics and software become
available, this upgraded monitoring
system will allow the machine to be
easily updated.
Ecology Drains. Ecology drains provide
an environmentally safer method to
drain fluids. They are included on the
radiator, hydraulic tank, and major
power train components.
Modular Cooling System. Individual
radiator core modules are easily serviced
without major component removal.
Easy Engine Maintenance. Many parts
can be rebuilt and are available as
remanufactured components.
Parent-metal block can be rebored
twice and dry-sleeved.
Built-in Serviceability. Less service
time means more working time. Major Connecting rods can be removed
components are designed as modules through cylinder tops.
and most can be removed without Camshaft followers and push rods
disturbing or removing other can be replaced without removing
components. camshaft.
Diagnostics. Cat 561N diagnostic and Extended oil and engine filter
troubleshooting capabilities are among change intervals up to 500 hours.
the best. The machine dashboard allows
for quick identification of a problem
and its cause, utilizing a three level
warning system. Diagnostic connector
allows Caterpillar dealers to quickly
troubleshoot the 561N or access
stored data with the use of Electronic
Technician (Cat ET) or ECAP.
13
Total Customer Support
Excellent parts availability and the best service capability help increase productivity.
Product Support. Your Cat Dealer
offers a wide range of services that can
be set up under a Customer Support
Agreement (CSA) when you purchase
your equipment. The dealer will help
you choose a plan that can cover
everything from the machine and
attachment selection to replacement.
This will help you get the best return
on your investment.
14
Purchase. Consider the financing
options available as well as day-to-day
operating costs. This is also the time
to look at dealer services that can be
included in the cost of the machine to
yield lower equipment owning and
operating costs over the long run.
Replacement. Repair, rebuild, or
replace? Your Cat Dealer can help
evaluate the cost involved so you
can make the right choice.
Maintenance. More and more
equipment buyers are planning for
effective maintenance before buying
equipment. Choose from your dealers
wide range of maintenance services at
the time of your purchase. Repair option
programs guarantee the cost of repairs
up front. Diagnostic programs such as
Scheduled Oil Sampling and Technical
Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs.
Remanufactured Components.
Save money with remanufactured
parts. You receive the same warranty
and reliability as new products at a
cost savings of 40 to 70 percent.
Service Capability. Whether in the
dealers fully equipped shop or in
the field, you will get trained service
technicians using the latest technology
and tools.
Engine Weights

Engine Model Cat 3126B Operating Weight 16 851 kg 37,150 lb

Gross Power 98 kW 132 hp Shipping Weight 15 921 kg 35,100 lb
Rated Flywheel Power 92 kW 123 hp Operating Weight: Includes lubricants, coolant, 100% fuel,
Net Power - Caterpillar 92 kW 123 hp hydraulic controls and fluids, backup alarm, seat belt,
Net Power - ISO 9249 92 kW 123 hp 560 mm (22 in) single grouser shoes, drawbar,
Net Power - EEC 80/1269 92 kW 123 hp counterweight, boom and pulley blocks and operator.
Net Power - SAE J1349 92 kW 123 hp Shipping Weight: Includes lubricants, coolant, 10% fuel,
Net Power - DIN 70020 114 PS hydraulic controls and fluids, backup alarm, seat belt,
Bore 110 mm 4.33 in 560 mm (22 in) single grouser shoes, drawbar, and
counterweight.
Stroke 127 mm 5 in
Displacement 7.2 L 439 in3
Engine ratings at 2100 rpm. Pipelaying Equipment
Meets the EPA Tier 2, EU Stage II, and MOC Step 2 exhaust
emission regulations. Lifting Capacity 18 145 kg 40,000 lb
Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel Hook Winch Drum Diameter 216 mm 8.5 in
when the engine is equipped with fan, air cleaner, muffler, Boom Winch Drum Diameter 245 mm 9.63 in
and alternator. Hook Winch Flange Diameter 398 mm 15.5 in
No derating required up to 4600 m (15,100 ft) altitude, beyond Boom Winch Flange Diameter 372 mm 14.63 in
4600 m (15,100 ft) automatic derating occurs. Hook Winch Drum Length 254 mm 10 in
Boom Winch Drum Length 254 mm 10 in
Hook Winch Capacity - 72.85 m 239 ft
Transmission 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter
Boom Winch Capacity - 49.38 m 162 ft
1 Forward 3.1 kph 1.9 mph 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter
2 Forward 5.4 kph 3.3 mph Hook w/ Wire Rope Installed - 39.63 m 130 ft
3 Forward 9.1 kph 5.6 mph 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter
1 Reverse 3.8 kph 2.3 mph Boom w/ Wire Rope Installed - 25.91 m 85 ft
2 Reverse 6.7 kph 4.1 mph 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter
3 Reverse 11.3 kph 6.9 mph Boom Line Speed 46 m/min 151 ft/min
Bare Drum Hook Speed (Lo) 33 m/min 108 ft/min
Bare Drum Hook Speed (Hi) 69.5 m/min 228 ft/min
Undercarriage 2 Part Line Hook Speed (Lo) 16.5 m/min 54 ft/min
2 Part Line Hook Speed (Hi) 34.8 m/min 114 ft/min
Number of Shoes - Each Side 44 3 Part Line Hook Speed (Lo) 11 m/min 36 ft/min
Track Rollers - Each Side 8 3 Part Line Hook Speed (Hi) 23.2 m/min 76 ft/min
Track Gauge 2000 mm 79 in Boom Length 5.49 m 18 ft
Track on Ground 2604 mm 103 in Removable Counterweight - 16
Track Shoe Width - Standard 560 mm 22 in Number of Segments
Track Shoe Width - LGP (1) 610 mm 24 in Removable Counterweight - 114 kg 251 lb
Track Shoe Width - LGP (2) 760 mm 30 in 7 each at
2 2
Ground Contact Area - 2.93 m 4,542 in Removable Counterweight - 191 kg 421 lb
Standard Shoe 9 each at
Ground Contact Area - LGP (1) Shoe 3.18 m2 4,924 in2 Total weight extendable 2980 kg 6,570 lb
Ground Contact Area - LGP (2) Shoe 3.96 m2 6,135 in2 Hydraulic Power (55.7 gpm @ 2700 psi and 2200 rpm pump
Ground Pressure - 56 kPa 8.1 psi speed independent of torque converter) (211 L/min @
Standard Shoe 18 616 kPa/186 bar)
Ground Pressure - LGP (1) Shoe 52 kPa 7.6 psi
Ground Pressure - LGP (2) Shoe 42 kPa 6.1 psi

561N Pipelayer specifications 15

Hydraulic Controls Standards

Type Two-section vane pump Brakes meet the standard SAE J/ISO 10265 MARCH99.
with pilot operated
control valves. Optional ROPS (Rollover Protection Structure) offered
by Caterpillar for the machine meets ROP criteria
Output - Maximum 216 L/min 57.1 gal/min
SAE J397 OCT95, SAE J1040 MAY94, ISO 3164 1995,
Relief Valve Setting - 19 600 kPa 2,850 psi and ISO 3471-11994.
Counterweight
Relief Valve Setting - 18 600 kPa 2,700 psi
Hook and Boom Winch
Pump output @ 2200 pump rpm (2100 engine rpm) and
maximum pressure.

Service Capacities

Fuel Tank 235 L 62.2 gal

Crankcase (with Filter) 26 L 6.9 gal
Final Drives (each) 6L 1.6 gal
Boom Winch 5.7 L 1.5 gal
Cooling system 48 L 12.6 gal
Hydraulic Tank 37.5 L 9.9 gal

Lifting Capacity

kg x 1000 lb x 1000
40 Specified Equipment
Diameter wire rope 16 mm 5/8 in
15
A Minimum breaking strength 18 688 kph 41,200 lb
30 3 part load line
B 3 part boom line
10 Counterweight extended 2980 kg 6570 lb
20
Standard boom 5.49 m 18 ft
Total operating weight 16 851 kg 37,150 lb
5 C
10

A Maximum lift capacity per ISO 8813

0 0 B Rated load capacity per ANSI/ASME B30.14
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 Feet
C Working range per ANSI/ASME B30.14
1 2 3 4 5 6 Meters
Load Overhang

16 561N Pipelayer specifications

Dimensions
All dimensions are approximate.

12

9
5

11 6

1 10 7
2 8
3
4

1 Track Gauge 2000 mm 79 in 7 Length of Track on Ground 2604 mm 103 in

2 Width of Tractor - 2560 mm 101 in 8 Operating Length (with 3708.5 mm 146 in
Standard Shoes Drawbar)
3 Width of Tractor - 2983.5 mm 117.5 in 9 Height to Top of Stack 3041.4 mm 119 in
Counterweight/Boom Removed 10 Grouser Height 47 mm 1.9 in
4 Width of Tractor - 4463 mm 176 in 11 Ground Clearance (SAE J1234) 432.5 mm 17 in
Counterweight Extended 12 Boom Height - Tip of 6361.7 mm 251 in
5 Machine Height - Tip of 2519 mm 99 in Grouser at SAE 4 ft (1.22 m)
Grouser to Top of Winch Overhang
6 Drawbar Height (Center of 537.5 mm 21 in
Clevis)

561N Pipelayer specifications 17

Standard Equipment
Standard equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for details.

ELECTRICAL POWER TRAIN

Alarm, back-up 3126B HEUI Caterpillar diesel engine with:
Alternator, 70-amp Air-to-air aftercooler
Converter, 10-amp/12-volt Air cleaner, dry-type, with precleaner
Diagnostic connector Air cleaner service indicator
Horn Air intake heater
Hour meter Auto-dust ejector with air filter and pre-screener
Integrated front lights Automatic downshift and kickdown
Odometer transmission control
Starting, 24-volt direct Coolant, extended life
Coolant sampling port
OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT Controlled throttle shifting
Decelerator pedal and switch Fan, blower
Engine air cleaner service indicator Fuel filters, dual
Engine RPM display/gear display Fuel priming pump
Foot pegs for slope work Fuel/water separator
Gauge cluster, four (fuel, temperatures) Load compensated shifting
FTC control for Clutch and Brake steering Muffler
Lockable storage compartment Radiator, modular
Monitoring System, Electronic (EMS III) (High Performance Perforated Fins IMRM)
Power points, two 12-volt Selectable shift points
Pre-start coolant level monitoring system Single poly-vee belt with auto belt tensioner
Product Link ready Steering system, FTC Clutch and Brake
Seat, vinyl suspension, with adjustable armrests Transmission, three-speed planetary with torque converter
Seat belt, retractable 76 mm (3 in)
Storage and literature compartment OTHER STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Transmission shift points selection Altitude operation capability,
Travel speed and gear limiter, electronic 4600 meter (15,100 ft) without derating
Brake system, service, parking, and emergency
PIPELAYER Diagnostic pressure taps, centralized ecology drains
Boom, 5.49 m (18 ft) Extended service intervals (500 hours)
Counterweight, extendible segmented 2980 kg (6,570 lb) Front pull device
Hydraulics, pipelayer system Guards:
Center track-guiding guards
UNDERCARRIAGE Crankcase, normal service
Adjuster, hydraulic track End guide
Carrier rollers Fuel tank
Guards, end track-guiding Instrument panel
Heavy-duty sealed and lubricated tracks Radiator, hinged
Lifetime lubricated track rollers and idlers Rear
Master link, two pieces Hinged engine door, left side
Sprockets, segmented Implement oil filter
Track frame, 8 rollers Keyed lockable enclosures
Track with single grouser track shoes Rigid drawbar
44-section, 560 mm (22 in) SOSSM analysis taps for engine, transmission, and
Wider tread and taller flange idler profile implement fluids
Transmission remote pressure taps
Vandalism protection

18 561N Pipelayer specifications

Optional Equipment (with approximate changes in operating weight)
Optional equipment may vary. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for details.

kg lb kg lb
Alternator, 70-amp brushless 0.34 0.8 Precleaner with prescreener 5 11
Control, two pedal brake 0 0 Product Link 4 9
Cooling, high ambient 3 7 Rollover, protection system 136 300
Fan, reversible 7 15.5 Starting aids:
Grid, sandblast 15 33 Heater, engine coolant choice of
Guide, track MS 70 154 120 or 240-volt (dealer installed) 1 2
Guards: Heavy-duty batteries 0 0
Crankcase extreme service 63 139 Security system, machine 3 7
Grill, heavy-duty 29 64 Sound suppression, exterior 8.2 18
Precleaner 7 16 Suspension seat, vinyl, low back 10 22
Radiator, heavy-duty, hinged grill 20 44 Tool kit (dealer installed) 7 16
Radiator core protection grid 17 38 Track rollers, high flange 15 33
Rear, heavy-duty 5 11 Track, pair, sealed and lubricated, 44-section:
Track roller 146 321 610 mm (24 in) MS/HD 96 212
Track roller, LGP 112 247 760 mm (30 in) MS/HD 382 842
Lighting system, four lights 10 23

561N Pipelayer specifications 19

561N Pipelayer

For more complete information on Cat products, dealer services,

and industry solutions, visit us on the web at www.CAT.com

2003 Caterpillar
Printed in U.S.A.

Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Featured machines in photos may include additional equipment.
AEHQ5550 (7-03) See your Caterpillar dealer for available options.